Each of your car dashboard lights is important and tells you vital information concerning the safety and functionality of your vehicle. Of all the lights, the airbag light is perhaps one of the most eyebrow-raising for drivers. What does it mean when this light turns on and how should you address it?
Ignoring any light on your dash is not wise. When you start your car, many lights will flash but most will turn off within a few seconds. At times, your airbag light may not switch off, encouraging you to assess the problem.
Why does an airbag light come on? This indication means that there is a problem with your airbag system. Regardless of what the problem is, the light is informing you that the airbag system will not deploy the airbag if you’re involved in an accident. It’s normal to see the “Passenger Airbag” light come on when you’re driving alone — it’s letting you know that it will not deploy the passenger airbag in a crash because it doesn’t sense a person in the passenger seat.
The main airbag light for the driver’s seat, however, should never stay on. In fact, any time it is on you should immediately troubleshoot to discover why. If the airbag does not deploy during an accident, the consequences could be fatal.
The airbag system, also known as the Supplemental Restraint System, uses sensors in both the seatbelt and the seat itself to identify when a passenger is in the seat. If it acknowledges a passenger in the seat, it will deploy that airbag during a crash. However, if the light stays on, this means that the system is experiencing a problem that often requires professional car maintenance in Las Vegas.
One issue could be that your seat belt sensor or seat sensor is malfunctioning, failing to tell the airbag system that a person is in the seat. Another issue could be that the clockspring in the steering wheel is damaged. When the airbag light is illuminated, the system will actively prevent deployment no matter the accident.
How should you address an airbag light? First, check the seatbelt to make sure that there is nothing getting caught where the buckles connect. If the buckle is clear and the light is still on, there may be a problem with the seat sensor failing to detect the passenger weight. It’s important to take your car to a professional mechanic for car maintenance in Las Vegas to let them diagnose and fix the problem.
Visit Valley Automall for Reliable Car Maintenance in Las Vegas
Unsure of why the airbag or other indicator lights on your dashboard are still on? Stop by Valley Automall today and let our certified technicians get you back on the road safely. Contact us at 702-570-2257 to schedule an appointment for reliable car maintenance in Las Vegas.